Sparking plug.



P. K. STERN.

SPARKING PLUG.

APPLICATION FILED 1350.26, 1901.

i 995,039, Patented June 13,1911.

the socket of the ignition chamber, whereby l. out involving j trodes is carried by To all whom it may concern.'

' @nin sans nrivier..

:PHILIP K.. STERN, OF NEW YORI'I, N. Y., ASSIGNOR T0 EAB/Ii CANEDY, OF CHICAGO HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS.

SPARKING PLUG.

Patented J une 13, 1911.

Application led December 26, 1901. Serial No. 87,330. l

Be it knownv that l, citizen of the United States, residing in the city or" New York, lin the county and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Sparking Plugs, of which the following is a specication.

y invention relates tosparking plugs for internal combustion. or explosive engines,

PHILiP K. STERN, a

and pertains more' particularly to that class of plugs `known as,

the high tension or jump-spark type; the principal object of the invention being to improve the means providing for the quick removal and insertion of the electrode-carrying plug within the insulating material may be cleaned withwire disconnection fromA the immediate source of electrical supply. In this particular, it may be well to here eX- plain that in po ular forms of electrical ignition devices of this class, one of the eleca plug of insulating inaterial,- which when in osition, presents a pole carrying lend, subject. to deposits of carbon resulting from the combustion of the cuit interruption hydro-carbon mixture'within the engine, such deposited carbon objectionably acting as a conductor to short circuit the current, and thereby operating to destroy the cirpresented by the separated electrodes and consequently defeats the-,formation of an igniting spark between the same. The facility referred to, for the ready removal and cleaning of 'the plug, obviates any difficulty from this source.

The general simplification and improvement in the adjustability and manipulation ofthe` parts, are also important objects of the present improvements. f

The several purposes noted, besides others, are attained by the novel construction subsequently described in detail and disclosed in the accompanying drawings, in which latter,

Figure l, isa central section of an electrical ignition dev vention. Fig. 2, is an exterior or plan View of the socket or bushing which engages in the plug-opening of the ignition chamber.

f Fig. 3, is a plan view of the nut for carry-v ligure, and certain portionsomitted. Fig. 5, is a sectional view of the plug-carrying nut, the section being taken in the plane indicated by the dotted line b, b, Fig. 3. Fig. 6, is 'a detail view of the lock for securing the casing or housing.

Similar reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several figures where they occur.

The metallic socket or shell 6, forms one of a pair of pole terminals and has a threaded nipple 7, secured in the threaded opening of the wall 8, of the'ignition or combustion chamber, the thread of the nipple being of such character as to adapt it to fit those of the'opening therefor in any of the existing-chambers provided 'with standard half inch gas-pipe threads. The inner end 9 of the nipple, projects within the chamber and constitutes one of the insulated electrical 'contact members or electrodes of the spark-gap points. The body or outer part of this socket or socket 6, is presented by a base which provides integrally the inner seatinglO, the cylindrical interiorly threaded flange 1l, and the outer annular shallow andslightly 'depressed bearing 12. The threads 11a of the flange 11 are interrupted as 'indicated in Fig. '2. The interiorly threaded flange 11 projecting from the metallic socket or bushing 6 forms substantially anA exteriorY metallic shell for the reception of a freely removable insulated unit, integrally formed andso disposed with respect to the spark gap electrode or terminal as to provide one of the electrical conductors therefor, which will appear more lucid by the following description of the removable insulated unit and the different component parts thereof.

A washer 13 of copper or any suitable resilient material rests upon the seating 10, and upon this washer bears the inner end forming a shoulder or flange of a chambered nut 14 having external threads adapted to,

e'nga'ge those of the flange-,11 and correspond-` ingly interrupted, the relative arrangement of both series of interrupted threads bein@ such that a quarter turn of the nut will sulice vto `effect a positive engagement of the vsame with the ange, while a movement to a similar extent in the reverse direction,`

will result in-a disengagement, and permit the nut, by reason of the mutual interrup tions to be bodily withdrawn from the space within the flange. The nut or bushi'pg 14 is provided at its upper part with nut is also screw threaded at its upper portion as indicated at 17 in Fig. 5.

A cylindrical porcelain plug 18, extends snugly through openings therefor in the bottom of the nut 14, washer 13, into the lcentral passage presented by the nipple 7,

the inner end 19 of said plug being shown in Fig. 1, as terminating slightly short of the inner projecting electrode portion 9, of said nipple. Intermediately on vthe plug 18 is an annular enlargement 20, providing a double shoulder -between which and the bottom of the nut or bushing and within the chamber thereof, is interposed a gasket 21 composed of one or more packing rings of asbestos, whereby, upon the screwing-in of the collar or ring 22, the plug 18 would be forced by the shouldered or enlarged portion against the gasket 21 and thereby forcing the same into gas-tight engagement with the nut or bushing 14, thus effecting Athe packing of the plug 18 in gas tight relation by clamping the double shouldered plug` together with the gasket between the bushing and the collar. The plug is forced down and confined within the nut by a threaded ring or collar 22 serewfthreaded into the bushing 14 surrounding"the"same above the enlargement, bearing ,on the shoulder presented by the'upper end of the latter, said ring being engaged with the threads 17 for this purpose, the threads being of such extent as will permit the ring to be sere ed down ito additionally depress the plug and increase the compression of the lower shoulder thereof on the gasket 21 to compensate for wear or shrinkage of the latter. Top openings in the ring 22, adapt it to be rotated by a key Spanner.

Centrally within the double shouldered plug 18,is a small metal tube 23,vhieh is cemented in position and extends longitudinally through the same, the plug having conical recesses at its extremities to permit the end portions 24 of the tube to be cxpanded to assume a corresponding shape, and positively secure said tube within the plug and permit the expanded inner end to constitute a metallic seat for the bearing of the small tapered head 25, which is ground in oas-'tight-connection therewith .1 b D 7 and is carried at the inner extremity of a stein-electrode 26, extending throughI the tube 23, and beyond the outer end of the same, Whereit is provided with a cylindrical portion 27, terminating in a porcelain knob 28. The, metallic bearing presented by the inner expanded end 24 of the tube,

permits the head to seat intimately against the same after the manner of a gas-tight valve, an effect not easily accomplished were the seating directly against porcelain as the granular character of the latter would preclude its being ground or glazed sufliciently uniform to afford such an intimate seating of the head as would prevent the passage of the gas under the high-compression it undergoes within the engine. A bent linger 2f), on the head 25 constitutes the other electrodev of the spark gap points and is in proper relation to the electrode 9, to establish the circuit by the sparking-gap through said electrode 9.

30 refers to an annulus of porcelain which in cross section is generally of the form indicated at the right in Fig. 1, and is provided at 011e side with a short neck 3l. This annulus has a circular vertical slot for the reception of a thin vertical metal ring 32, projecting slightly above the top of the anuulus, said ring forming the other one of the pair of pole terminals. The ringreeeivingslot is intersected by horizontal openings 33, 34, the latter extending through the neck 31. The opening 33 admits of a small screw l35, being introduced to engage a threaded perforation therefor in that part of the ring spanning the opening, thereby securing the ring in position in the annulus. At the opposite side, the ring has a perforation registering with the passage extending through the neck so that one of the circuit wires 36, extending within said neck, can be electrically connected with the ring. i

A metal case or housing 36, fits over the annulus 30 and parts within the same, and bears against the base 6, immediately within a. circular marginal flange 37 of the latter, said Hange serving to aid in the centering of the case when placing it in position. A slot 3S) in the ease, extending circun'iferen tially around the same for over 90 degrees, provides for the passage of the neck 31 of the annulus, and admits of a. limited rotation of the case or housing.

Snugly contained within the outer part 0f the case, is a porcelain dome 40, which rests upon the lugs 15 of the nut 14, and is provided with a short neck 41 occupying an opening in the case and centrally perforated for the reception of the cylindrical portion 27, of the stem-electrode. The inwardly extending annular flange 42 of the dome, lhas a series of notches 43, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4.

A member in the form of an arched leaf spring 44 is perforated for the passage of the outer' projecting part of the stein-electrode and bears beneath the portion 27 thereof. The ends of this spring integrally carry horizontally curved extensions 45, the extremities 46 of which are bent to engage -tended screws 47 f and dome, at points each side offset integrally 51, while the outer'end has secured thereto lock for the case.

the notches 43 and prevent the spring from turning relatively. to the dome. The extensions 45 are in electrical contact with the upper edge of the ring 32, so as to constitute one pole of a bridging contact. Ex-

tapped through the case of the spring, engage the threaded recesses 16 in the lugs 15 of the nut and serve to bind the case, dome and nut together.

48 refers to a longitudinally extending formed on the case and provided with a Vrecess 49 through which extends a small shaft 50, the' inner projecting end of Which, rigidly carries a smallcam a vfinger-operating lever 52. A torsional spring 58, surrounding the shaft Within the recess, has one end engaged with the wall of lthe oset and the other secured to the lever 52 to normally hold said shaft for maintaining the ca m in firm contact with the adjacent portion of the base 6 and thus lock the case to the latter. It will be observed -by reference to Fig. 6, that the operative face of the cam is so disposed that any slight accidental tendency of the case to turn in a direction that would disturb the position ofthe plug 18 or its electrode, will cause the cam to more positively engage with the base and thus serve as an efficient From the foregoing description, it will be easy to comprehend that with the parts arranged and adjusted as illustrated in Fig. 1, the arched spring 44 will serve to hold the conical head 25 in gas-tight contact with the metallic seat provided by the inner eX- panded end of the tube 7, and at the same time, said spring will maintain a proper electrical contact with the ring 32, connected with one of the circuit wire/s. With the head thus held, the bent finger 29, will coperate with the nearest part of the inner 'as an electrode,

ing myself to the projecting end 9, of the nipple 7 to insure the passage of the ignition spark. Should the condition be such as to interefere with the formation of the spark, the stem 26 may be readily manipulated by means of theI knob 28 to turn the electrode 29 and shift the point on the portion 9, co-acting to produce the spark. This capability becomes specially important in view of the fact that the operative surface of the end 9 contains numerous irregularities, any one of the more prominent of which will coperate with the electrode 29 when in its nearest position, to produce a spark, an eect not liable to be, attained should that point of the end 9 by" reason ofthe irregularity referred to, be more remote. The capacity for shifting-the electrode 29, provides forcthe nice adjustment of the sparking point witilue regard double -lar and ,carrying the to the contingencies adverted to.

When the plug 18, requires cleaningthe I of the nut v14, will eii'ect can be restored-to their former engaged relation by an equally simple quarter revolul.

t-ion, and'by the rengagement of the cam 51. While the engaged interrupted threads of the flange 11 and Ii'ut14, constitute a locking means for securing the plug 18 in position, the full. quarter revolution-.of the nut will result in the jamming of its inner end against the washer 13, thus providing further locking provision for the same pur- `ose. p Il shall hereinafter occasionally refer to the freely removable parts, to wit, the nut 14, plug 18 and stem-electrode 26 taken together, as an electrode plug, and the stemfelectrpde 26 as that of a'stem, an electrode carrying stem, or an electrode or movable electrode and the inner end 7 as a stationary, a ixedelectrode, or simply and the spring 44 as another 9 of the nipple electrode in accordance with the sense in which they are employed.

The novel electrical sparking device is highly eiiicient, can be operated, adjusted and removed in a. quick and convenient manner, and is readily adapted for repair parts. There are other capabilities and advantages that' have become obvious from the preceding detailed description and are therefore believed not to requlre further eX- planation.

I do not wish to be understood as limitparticular construction and arrangement of electrical 'igniting device shown and described, but reserve the right to such modifications and changes as are fairly withinthc spirit of my invention.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new and4 desire to secure by Letters Patent, is: n

1. In an electric sparking plug, the combination with van exterior metallic shell forming one of the electric conductors, of a bushing screwthreaded into the exterior -shell and formed with an annular shoulder on its inner wall, a clamping collar screw# threade into the top houldered plug of insulating mathe bushing and colotherv conductor and interposed between and the bushing,

,terial clamped between suitable packing rings the shoulder of the lplug the bushing formingV with the insulating plug and conductor, a removable 'unit of the spar-4king'., plug. 1

of ythe bushing, a-

2. In an electric sparking plug, the combination with an exterior metallic shell forming one of the conductors, of a bushing screwthreaded to the exterior shell and formed with an annular shoulder on its inner wall, a clamping collar screwthreaded to said bushing, a double shouldered plug of insulating material clamped between the bushing and collar and carrying the other conductor, the bushing forming with the insulating plug and conductor, a removable unit of the sparking plug.

3. In a sparking plug, the combination with an exterior metallic shell forming one of the electric conductors, of a bushing screw threaded to the shell, an insulator plug adapted to be carried by the bushing, means for securing the bushing to the insulator plug whereby the same constitute an independent unit, said securing` means being independent of the shell, and an electrode carried by the insulator plug.

4. In an electric sparking device, the combination with a metallic shell forming one of the electric conductors, of a bushing threaded to said shell and carrying an insulator, an electrode extending through the insulator forming with the bushing and insulator a removable unit, and a spark point carried by the said unit and forming the inner end of the electrode, the body of the insulator extending beyond the end of the bushing a distance greater than the distance of the spark gap between the said point and shell.

5. In an electric sparking plug, the combination of a metallic shell forming one of the electric conductors, of a bushing screw threaded to said shell and carrying an insulator, a metallic tube carried by said insulator, a conductor carried by said metallic tube having at its inner end a fixed spark gap between it and the ldjacent portion of said metallic shell or metallic extension therefrom, external means for changing the position of the fixed spark gap by a rotary movement of said conductor, the bushing forming w-ith theJ insulator, metallic tube and conductor, a removable unit of the sparking plug.

6. In an electric sparking plug, the combination of a metallic shell forming one of the electric conductors, a bushing screw threaded to said shell and carryingan insulator, a conductor carried by said insulator, the bushing forming with the insulator and conductor, aremovable unit of the sparking plug, a second insulator supported by an extension from said metallic shell and carrying a second electric conductor'prd vided with means for attachment to the current supplying wirehmeans for securing an electrical connection between the exterior end of the conductor carried by said first mentioned insulator and the conductor c'arried by the second mentioned insulator lo which the current supplying wire is attached, upon the positioning of the bushing carrying the rst mentioned insulator and its conductor. as a unit, the arrangement being such that the said unit can be removed from said metallic shell without disconnect ing the current supplying wire.

7. In an electric sparking plug, the combination with a metallic shell forming one of the conductors, of a bushing screw threaded to said shell and carrying an insulator, a metallic tube carried by said insulator, a normally stationary conductor carried by saidf metallic tube, having a fixed spark gap at its inner end between it and an adjacent conductor, and external means for changing the position of the fixed spark gap by means of a rotary movement of the conductor.

S. In an electrical ignition device, the combination witha socket, of a plug of insulating material adapted for free insertion in said socket and containing an electrode, provision forsecuringsaid plug by a movement independent of that attending the free insertion thereof, a contact member insulated from the socket member, and a member associated with the electrode adapted to contact electrically against said contact member by the positioning of the plug.

9. In an electrical ignition device,the combination with a socket and an annulus having a contact, of a plug of insulating material. having a metallic seating at its inner end, said plug adapted for free insertion in said socket and containing an electrode terminating'in an inner head, a. member associated with said electrode for maintaining said head gas tight, against the seating, and for electrically bearing against said contact member upon the positioning of the plug, and provision for securing said plug by a movement independent of that attending the free insertion thereof.

10. In an electrical ignition device, the combination with a socket and an a-nnulus having a Contact, of a plug of insulating material having a metallic seating at its inner end, said plug adapted for tree insertion in said socket and containing a revoluble electrode, projecting at its outer end and terminating in an inner head, a .ineu'lber as'sociatedtwith said electrode for maintain ing said head gas tight against thi` seating, l

and for electrically bearing against .said contact-member upon the positioning oit the plug, and provision for securing said plug by a movement independent of that attend ing the free insertion thereof.

11. In an electrical ignition device, the conibinat-ion with a socket and an annulus having a contact, of a plug ot insulating material adapted for free insertion in said socket` and containing an electrode, a member car- Cri ried by said electrode for electrically bearh111g against said contact member upon the positioning of the plug, provislonfor engaging said plug by a movement independent of'that attending its 'free insertion, and a lock for resisting the disengagement of the plug..

12. In an electrical ignition device, the combination with a socket and an annulus having a contact, of a bushing carrying a plug of insulating material adapted for free insertion .in said socketand containing an electrode, a member carried by the latter for electrically bearing against said contact -taining an electrode, a member-carried by said elect-rode for electrically bearing against said contact member upon the positioning of the vnut accompanied by the plug and its electrode,

and provision for engaging said nut by a movement independent of that attending the free insertion of the plug.v

14. In an electrical ignition device, the combination with a socket and an annulus having a contact, of a case, a nut and electrode-plug connected together.A said' vnut adapted for free insertion in the socket, a member connected to the electrode-plug for electrically bearing upon said contactmember, upon the positioning of the nut-fand provision for engaging said nut by" a movement independent of that attending the free insertion of the plug.

plug connected together,

t within said nut against said 15.l In an electrical ignition. device, the combination with a socket and' acontact member, of a case, a nut and an electrode- :t'or free insertion in the socket, va member connected to the electrode-plug for velectrically bearing on said contact :member upon the positioning of the nut,. provision for engaging the latter 'by a movement independent of that attending its free insertion, and a lock externally on the case for resi's'ting the disengagement of the nut. f'

16.l In an electrical ignition device,"Vv a chainbered socket, apnut within said chamber and an asbestos packing bottomed therein, sai'd socket and nut provided with mutually engaging means adapted to'be disengaged' upon a relative partial'rotation be.-A

lwcen" the socket and nut, an insulating plug having a shouldered portion clamped packing, and an electrode cai-ried by said plug. l

said 'nut adapted 17. In an electrical ignitiondevice, a chambered socket and a yielding metal washer bottomed therein, a nut within said chamber and bearin on said washer, said socket and nut provided with mutually engagingmeans adapted to be disengaged upon a. relative partial rotation between the socket and nut, a non-combustible fibrous washer within the nut, an insulating plug having a shouldered portion clamped within said nut against said iibrous washer, and an electrode carried by said plug.

18. In an electric sparking plug, the conibination wit-h a metallic shell forming one of the electric conductors of a bushing screw threaded to said shell and carrying an insulating plug or sleeve, a conductor carried by said insulator, means whereby the bushingwith the parts carried thereby may be inserted into and withdrawn from the `shell by a straight movement'longitudinally of the shell and whereby the same may be secured or released by apartial revolution relative to the shell and means for rotating the shell, the said means comprising a casing for said shell and bushing.

19. In an electric sparking plug, the combination with'a metallic shell forming one of the electric conductors of a bushing screw threaded'to the shell and carrying a plug of insulating material, the bushing forming with the insulator and plug a removable unit of the sparking plug, and a casing secured to and inclosing the shell and bushing.

20. In an electric sparking plug, the combination with a metallic shell forming one of the electric conductors, of aY bushing screw threaded to the shell and'carrying a plug of insulating material, a conductor carried by said insulatin lug, the bushing forming with the insu a or and conductor a removable unit of the sparking plug, and

a casing for the shell and bushing, the said casing being secured to the bushing and constituting a lever or handle for removing the bushing. I

21. In an electric sparking plug, thev combination with a metallic shell formingv one of the electric ycondiictors of screw threaded to the shell and carrying a plug of insulating material, a conductor cara bushing ried by said' insulating plug, the bushing forming 'with'theinsulator and con'ductor a removable unit of the sparking plug, and

5.a casing secured to said bushing, and independently secured to the shell.

` 22. In an electric sparking plug, theI combination with a of the conductors, threadedl to the shell and' carrying a'plug ofinsulating material and a conductor carried by said insulating plug, the bushing forming with the insulator and conductor a removable unit of the sparking plug, a casing secured to the bushing and constitutmetallic shell formiiig yone dofa bushing screw ing a lever or handle for adj Listing the same, and means on the shell for securing the casing in position.

23. In an electrical sparking plug,a socket provided with an external insulated electrical connection for one of the circuit wires, an interlocking insulated removable electrode within the socket in circuit with the insulated connection, and carried by a stem, said 'electrical connection being permanently connected with sa'id sparking plug, said removable eleetrode being provided With means for freely inserting the same into saidsocket, and conversely for the free unlocking and Withdrawal 'of the same from said socket, and means carried by the stem for establishing an electrical communication with said external electrical connection and the circuit Wire therefor, upon the insertion of said electrode Within said socket and locking the same thereto.

24. In an electrical ignition device, a chambered socket, an insulated electrical connection for one of the circuit wires, external to said socket, a plug within the latter and countersunk at its inner end, an electrode stem carried by said plug and having at its inner end a finger and a head said finger having its bearing in said head, and a metal member on said stem maintaining the head thereot' in intimate bearing in the countersink, said metal member also being in circuit contact With the external insulated connection, said plug and said electrode `adapted to be Withdrawn from the chamber independently of the Wire attachment to the insulated electrical connection.

25. In an electrical iofnition device, a plug of insulating material aving a recessed inner end, a metal tube within said plug and having an expanded inner end forming a seating andan enlarged outer end for securing the tube and for retaining said seating intimately within the plug-recess, and a'n electrode Within said tube and provided with a head maintained in gas-tight bearing Within said seating.

2G. In anwelectrical ignition device, a plug of insulating material having recessed ends, a metal tube cemented within said plug and having its end portions expanded to bear in said recesses, the inner end portion forming a seating, and an electrode Within the tube and provided with a head maintained in gas-tight bearing withinsaid seating.

27. In an electrical ignition device, a relatively stationary electrode having an extended curved sparking-surface, a plug of,

insulating material having a recessed inner end, a metal tube within said plug and hav` ing an expanded inner end forming a seating. and a laterally "u1-ned outer end for securing the tube and for retaining said seating intimately within the plug recess, and an electrode revolubly mounted within said tube and provided With a head maintained in gas-tight bearing Within the seating, and having a finger disposed radially relative to the said stationary electrode.

28. In an electrical ignition device, a relatively stationary electrode having an extended curved sparking-surface, a plug of insulating material having a recessed inner end, a metal tube within said plug and having an expanded inner end and forming a seating, and a laterally turned outer end for securing the tube and for retaining said seating intimately within the plug-recess, an electrode revoluble within the seating and provided with a head having a finger disposed radially relative to said stationary electrode, and a spring for maintaining said head in gas-tight bearing Within the seating.

29. In an electrical sparking plug, a chambered socket provided with an interrupted screw thread, an external insulated electrical connection for one of the wires leading to said socket; a nut in the latter; a plug within said nut within the latter, Said nutl provided with an interrupted thread corresponding to the socket, a stem within the plug and a casing therefor, said plug being in electrical circuit with the said insulated eonnection, the plug and contained electrode being adapted upon a partial rotation of the nut, to be withdrawn from the chamber' independently of the wire attach' ment to the insulated connection and means between the easing and the electrode for effecting a gas-tight connection.

30. In an electrical ignitioir device, a chambered socket and an insulating plug thereinfsaid socket and plug provided with mutually engaging means adapted to be disengaged upon a relative partial rotation between the socket and the plug, a metallic tube within the same, an electrode within the tube, and an externally located lock engaging a fixed part and adapted upon a partial rotation to become unlocked and permit the, disengagement of the plug and its contained electrode andl their removal from the socket.

3l. In an electrical Xignition device, a chambered socket with"` a resilient metal washer bottom therein. 'and a nut within said chamber and lmlring on the washer, said socket and nut provided with mutually engaging means adapted to be disengagwl upon a relative partial rotation between the socket and nut, an insulating` plug secured to said nut and containing an electrode and an externally located lock engaging a nxed part and adapted upon a partial rotation to become unlocked and permit the disengagement of the plug and its clectrod and their removal Jfrom the socket.

232. In an electrical ignition device, a chambered socket, an insulated plug therein and containing an electrode, a case or housand Plugs al1/insulated electrical connectidiiw.

I within the latter, vided with mutually engaging means adapt ed to be disengaged upon a partial rotation:l

ing masking the chambered portion of the socket and plug therein and conne'cted with the latter, said case or housing having a lock 4engaging a lixed part and adapted when unlocked to permit the conjoint removal of the plug, its electrode and the case or housing.

33. In an electric ignition device, a chambered socket and an insulating plug therein containing an electrode, said socket and plug provided With mutually engaging means adapted to be disengaged upon a partial rotation between the socket and plug, a case or housing masking the chambered portion of the socket and plug therein and connected with the latter, said case or housing having a lock engaging a fixed part and adapted when unlocked to permit the disengagementof the plug from the socket, and the conjoint removal of said plug, its electrode and the case or housing.

34. vIn an electrical ignition device, a chambered socket, an insulated electrical connection for one of the circuit Wires, eX- ternal to said socket, an insulating plug said socket and plug probetween the socket and plug, an electrode '1in the plug and in circuit with said insulated electrical connection, a case or housing masking the chambered portion otlthe socket and plug therein, said case or housing having a lock engaging a fixed part and adapted when unlocked to permit the disengagement of the plug from the socket andthe conjoint removalof the plug, its electrode, and the case or housing independent of the Wire attachment to the insulated electrical connection.

35. InV an electrical ignition device, a chambered socket and insulating plug containing an electrode, an insulated electrical connection for one of the circuit Wires, eX- ternal to said socket, and a case or housing the chamhered portion of the socket and plug;

said case or housing provided with engaging means adapted upon a partial rota- I- Withdrawal conjointly 'with the plug and its'` electrode yindependent ofthe Wire attach-- ment to .the insulated electrical connection.-A

36. .Inan` electrical ignition device a chambered socke'tlha'nd any/insulating plug therein containing an electrodesaid socket and plug provided With mutually engaging means adapted to bedisengaged upon a relative partial rotation betweensaid socketu tion of the case or housing to permitffdtef for one of the/gironi jyireavexternal to said socket, and a c/ase or housing maskin' 'the' insulated electrical connection,` the c amberedportion `of fthe socket and plug; said casing or housing provided `With engaging .having an inner recess,

'seat and provided with the means adapted upon a partial rotation of the case or housing to eifect the disengagement of the plug from the socket, and the conjoint Withdrawal of the plug, its electrode and the case or housi'gdependentlyof the Wire attachment to the insulated electrical connection.

37. In an electrical ignition device, a chambered socket and an insulating plug `therein containing an electrode, an insulated combination With a socket having an insulated elcctrical contact, of an insulating plug adapted for said socket and containing an electrode, an insulating dome through Willich the electrode extends, having an inner recess and connected to said plu and a member carried by said electro e Within the dome recess and adapted to be brought in electrical bearing against said contact by the positioning of the plug.V

3.9. In an electrical ignition device, the

combination With a socket having an insulated electrical contact, of an insulating plug adapted for free insertion in said socket and containing an electrode, means for securing said plug by a movement independent of that attending the free insertion thereof, an insulating dome connected to said plug, and an electrode carried bythe plug and extending through said idoine, and avanember carried by said elecmaskmg the msulated'eleotrical connection,

trodeywithin the dome recess andadapted to bebrought in `electrical bearing against saidv contact by the positioning of the plug.

4:0. In an electrical sparking plug, the

combination With a socket aiidi relatively stationary electrode, vadaptedgfor. free insertion and Withdrawal of an insulating plug from said socket having a depressed'metallilcseating at its inner end vand a revoluble spring retracted head bearing against said other electrode.

Ll1.-In an .electrical sparking combination with a socket and stationary electrode, of an, insulating plug adapted for free insertion and Withdrawal from said socket, having a depressed metallic seating at its inner end, a headY bearing in said seat and provided with the other electrode, and arcvoluble spring rseated stem plug, the

vconnected with the head and extending a relatively through the plug to permit of the adjustment of the electrode While the plug is positioned. i

42. In an ,electrical sparking plug, the combination With a socket and a fixed electrode, of an insulating plug containing a movable electrode carrying stem and adapted for free insertion in said socket and for free Withdrawal therefrom, a lock eoactingbetween the tivo for securing the said socket and said plug, an insulating dome through which the stem extends, and a spring engaging the latter and the insulating dome.

43. In anelectrical ignition device, the combination with one electrode, of a plug containing a metal tube retained by expanded ends, and an electrode-carrying ste/m within said tube and having an inner head maintained in gas-tight seating Within the inner expanded end.

14. In an electrical sparking plug, the combination with a socket and fixed electrode, of an insulating plug carried by the socket and adapted to free insertion therein, a lock for securing the plug to the socket, an electrode carried by the plug, a. circuit Wire connection for the plug-electrode adapted to permit of the removal of the plug and the electrode independently of said Wire connection and Without disconnection of said wire, and a case connected with said plug having a slot for the passage of the circuit Wire and permitting the turning lof the case for the engagement or disengagement of the same, together With the plug and its electrode.

45. In an electrical ignition device, the combination with an electrode, of a plug, containing a movable electrode-carrying stem extending beyond the outer end thereof and provided with an insulating knob, circuit contacts at opposite sides and external to the plug; anda leaf spring engaging' the stem and adapted for bearing r against the circuit contacts upon the positioning of the plug.

l4G. In an electrical ignition device, the combination, With an electrode, of a plug containing an electrode-carrying stem, contacts at opposite sides and. external to the plug, and a leaf spring engaging said stem for supporting the latter in position and adapted for bearing against the contacts upon the positioning of the plug.

47. In an electrical ignition device, the combination With an electrode, of a plug, an electrode-carrying stem, an insulated metal circuit-ring surrounding the plug, and a leaf spring engaging the stem and adapted for bearing against the ring upon the positioning of the plufr. l

48. In an electrical ignition device,V the combination With an elect-rode, of a plug, containing an electrode-carrying stem, an insulated detachable circuit-ring surrounding the plug, and a leaf spring engaging the Stem and adapted for bearing against the ring` upon the positioning of the plug.

49. In an electrical ignition device, the combination with a socket base and electrode, of a plug containing an electrode-carrying stem, an insulating annulus mounted on said base -around the plug and provided with a circuit contact member, and a leaf spring engaging said stem and bearing against the contact.

50. In an electrical ignition device, the combination with a socket base and electrode, of a plug containing an electrodecarrying stem, an insulating annulus mounted on said base and having a circular vertical recess, a circuit ring movably secured in said recess and presenting a contact snrface, and a leaf spring engaging said stem and bearing on said surface.

51. In an electrical ignition device, the combination With a socket base and electrode, the former having a flange, of a plug secured Wit-hin the base and containing an electrode-carrying stem, an insulating annulus mounted in said base and-having a circuit -eontact member and a leaf spring engaging said stem, and bearing on said contact member.

'52. In an electrical ignition device, the combination with a socket base and electrode, of a plug containing an electrodecarrying stem, an insulating annulus mounted on said base and having a circular recess, a ring secured Within said recess, a circuit Wire connecting with the ring, and an electrical connection between the latter and the stem.

53. In an electrical ignition device, the combination with a socket base and electrode, of a plug containing an electrodecarrying stem, an insulating annulus mounted on said base and having a circular vcrtical recess intersected by lateral openings, a ring` Within said recess and retained by a screw in one of said openings, a circuit wire Within the other opening and connecting With the ring, and an electrical connection between the latter and the stem.

54C. In an electrical ignition device, the combination with a socket' and fixed electrode, of a plug containing an elect-rodecarrying movable stem, a case and insulating dome through which said stem extends, and means for securing said plug, dome and case in position.

55. In an electrical ignition device, the combination with a socket and fixed electrode, of a plug containing a movable electrode-carrying stem, an insulating dome through which the stem extends, and a leaf spring engaging the latter and the insulating dome.

56. In an electrical ignition device, the combination with a socket and fixed electrode, of a plug containing a movable electrode-carrying stem, an insulating dome through which the stem extends, a curved circuit Contact, and a leaf spring engaging the stem and dome, and bearing on the contact member.

57. In an electrical ignition device, the combination with a socket and fixed electrode, of a plug containing an electrodecarrying stem, an insulating dome with which the stem engages, said dome having a recessed fia-nge, a curved contact member anda leaf spring engaging the stem and having a horizontal bearing on said member.

58. In an electrical ignition device, the combination with a socket and fixed electrode, of an electrode carrying plug of insulating material, and a case for masking the plug and having a shaft carrying a cam normally engaged with a ixed part independent of the case, and provided with a finger lever. y 59. In an electrical ignition device, the combination with a socket and fixed electrode, of a plug of insulating material for said socket, an electrode carried by said plug, a circuit wire connection for the plug electrode adapted to permit the removal of said plug and electrode independent of said wire connection and without disconnection of said wire, and a case connected with said plug and having a slot for the passage of the circuit wire and permitting the turning of the case to permit the engagement or disengagement of the same together with the plug and its electrode.

G0. An electrical ignition device, comprising a plug and socket relatively separable and insulated, and mutually presenting spark gap points for disruptive discharge, the plug providedl with means for being locked and secured inposition in the socket,

and bridging electrical contact members for completing the circuit through the sparkgap, together with means for varying the position of the spark-gap.

G1. In an electrical sparking plug, the combination with an exterior metallic shell, forming one of the electric conductors, of a bushing disposed within the exterior shell the same being provided With a shoulder, a double shouldered vplug of insulating material clamped within the bushing, suitable packing rings interposed between the shoulders on the plug and t-he bushing, .and an exterior cap secured to the shell for securing the plug thereto, the bushing and cap forming with the insulating plug a removable unit of the sparking plug.

62. In an electrical sparking plug, lthe combination with an exterior metallic shell, forming one of the electric conduct-ors,.of a shouldered perforated plug of insulating material, an end thereof presenting a metallic surface, a headed stem passing through the plug and forming the other electric conductor, an exterior perforated dome of insulating material, means for forcing the head ofthe stem into engagement with the corresponding metallic surface of the plug, and means carried at the opposite end of the Vsaid stem for bearing against the said dome.

63. In an electric sparking plug, the combination with an exterior 'metallic shell, forming one of the electric conductors, of a shouldered perforated plug of insulating material, the inner end thereof present-ing a metallic surface a headed stem passing throughy the plug and forming the other electric conductor, a bushing secured to the shell, a packing ring between the bushing and the shoulder of the plug, lan exterior perforated dome of insulating material carried by the stem, means for forcing the head of the stem into engagement with the corl responding metallic surface of the plug, and a knob carried at the opposite end of said stem for bearing against the said dome.

64; In a spark plug for explosive engines, the combination with a threaded nipple adapted to be inserted in the wall of the engine and having an interrupted threaded outer part, of a shouldered insulator having an electrode extending therethrough carrying a sparking terminal at its lower end, and a 'locking member embracing the insulator having a part resting against said shoulder and having an interrupted thread complementary to that of the nipple adapted to engage therewith, and laterally extending means for partially turning the locking member whereby the insulator can besecured to and released from the nipple upon a partial turn of the locking member.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification in the. presence of two subscribing witnesses. l

PHILIP K. STERN.

Witnesses:

WILLIAM PAx'roN, M. BLUMER.l

Copies 4of this patent may be obtained for ive cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

